California Lemon Law Attorney
Stuck with a defective vehicle? California law says you deserve a refund, replacement, or cash settlement — and we'll make sure you get it.
Get Your Free ConsultationYou bought or leased a car you trusted. But it keeps breaking down, the dealer can't seem to fix it, and the manufacturer won't take responsibility. That's not just frustrating — it's exactly what California's lemon law was designed to fix.
Love My Legal represents consumers across California whose vehicles have repeated defects covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, you may be entitled to a full refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement — and the manufacturer pays your attorney's fees.
Does Your Vehicle Qualify Under California Lemon Law?
Your vehicle may be a lemon if:
- It has a substantial defect — something that impairs its use, value, or safety
- The defect is covered by warranty — the manufacturer's original warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty
- The dealer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts — generally 2+ attempts for safety defects, 4+ attempts for other defects, or 30+ cumulative days out of service
- The defect still isn't fixed
Vehicles Covered
- New cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Leased vehicles
- Certified pre-owned vehicles (under manufacturer warranty)
- Used vehicles still under original manufacturer warranty
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
Common Lemon Law Defects
- Engine problems — stalling, misfiring, overheating
- Transmission issues — rough shifting, slipping, failure
- Electrical system failures — dashboard warnings, battery drain, infotainment malfunctions
- Brake defects
- Steering problems
- Paint and body defects (under warranty)
- HVAC failures
- Persistent warning lights
What You Can Get From a California Lemon Law Claim
Refund (Buyback)
The manufacturer buys back your vehicle and refunds your purchase price, including taxes, registration fees, and incidental costs. A small "usage" deduction applies for miles driven before the first repair attempt.
Replacement
The manufacturer provides a new vehicle of the same make, model, and features.
Cash Settlement
In many cases, consumers negotiate a cash settlement — you keep the vehicle and receive compensation for the diminished value and your trouble.
In all cases, the manufacturer pays your attorney's fees. This costs you nothing.
How the Lemon Law Process Works
- You reach out. Tell us about your vehicle and the problems you're experiencing. Takes 2 minutes.
- We evaluate your case. Free consultation. We review your repair history and tell you if your vehicle qualifies.
- We handle the manufacturer. We send the demand, negotiate the resolution, and deal with the manufacturer's attorneys so you don't have to.
- You get your resolution. Refund, replacement, or cash settlement. The manufacturer pays our fees.
No fee to you — ever. The manufacturer pays.
Why California Consumers Choose Love My Legal
- Truly free. Unlike most legal cases, lemon law cases cost you absolutely nothing — the manufacturer pays your attorney's fees by law.
- We know the law. California's Song-Beverly Act has specific requirements and timelines. We know them inside and out.
- We fight manufacturers. Car companies have teams of lawyers. You deserve one too.
- Quick results. Most cases resolve in 3-6 months.
- Statewide. Wherever you bought or leased your vehicle in California, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a lemon in California?
Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a vehicle qualifies as a lemon if it has a substantial defect covered by the manufacturer's warranty that the dealer or manufacturer has been unable to fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Generally, this means 2 or more repair attempts for a serious safety defect, or 4 or more attempts for other substantial defects, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.
Does California lemon law cover used cars?
Yes, if the used vehicle was still under the manufacturer's original warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty at the time the defect appeared. Used cars sold "as-is" without any warranty are generally not covered.
What can I get from a lemon law claim?
Under California lemon law, you may be entitled to a full refund of the purchase price (including taxes, registration, and fees), a replacement vehicle of equal value, or a cash settlement. The manufacturer is also required to pay your attorney's fees if you win — meaning this costs you nothing.
How much does a lemon law attorney cost?
Nothing. Under California's lemon law, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney's fees if you prevail. You pay zero out of pocket — not at the start, not at the end.
How long does a lemon law case take in California?
Most lemon law cases settle within 3 to 6 months. Some resolve faster if the defect is well-documented and the manufacturer cooperates. Cases that go to trial can take longer, but the vast majority settle.
Does lemon law apply to leased vehicles in California?
Yes. California's lemon law applies to both purchased and leased new vehicles. If your leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to a refund of all lease payments made, plus your down payment and fees.